President Tinubu mourns veteran actor Taiwo ‘Ogogo’ Hassan

Renowned Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, widely recognized by the stage name 'Ogogo', recently disclosed the origin of his unique moniker in a 2024 interview with City People. The actor, who passed away on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, revealed that 'Ogogo' was part of a traditional Yoruba eulogy known as 'Oriki', a name he frequently recited during his early days in the film industry.

Hassan's acting career took off in 1981, where he began playing the role of an Akede Oba, a praise chanter responsible for reciting eulogies for kings and chiefs. His exceptional talent in performing these eulogies earned him the nickname 'Olohun Iyo'. Over time, this nickname evolved into 'Ogogo', which became synonymous with his identity and career in the Yoruba film industry.

According to Hassan, the transition from 'Olohun Iyo' to 'Ogogo' occurred after the advent of home videos. He began using eulogies for himself and others during his performances, often quoting lines from his family's eulogy (Oriki). This practice led his friends to exclaim 'Ogogo Wa Joor', which eventually became his professional identity.

Hassan's association with the praise name 'Ogogo' extended beyond his acting career. He was one of the co-founders of the Odunfa Caucus, a prominent theatre group that nurtured several notable Yoruba actors. His career spanned over four decades, during which he worked as an actor, producer, director, and screenwriter, appearing in numerous films.